Why Are Some Democrats Backing Lindsey Graham's Scheme to Block 9/11 Trials?

[laststeamtrain]

Why Are Some Democrats Backing Lindsey Graham's Scheme to Block 9/11 Trials?
By Nick Baumann, Mother Jones
Posted on February 3, 2010, Printed on February 3, 2010
http://www.alternet.org/story/145518/

It's not unusual to see Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman, (I-Conn.) complaining about President Barack Obama's conduct of the war on terror.

But when they're openly joined by two Democratic senators -- with more potentially hovering in the wings -- that spells trouble for the administration's agenda. On Tuesday morning, Sens. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) teamed up with Graham for a press conference to announce a bill that would block funding for Obama's proposal to try 9/11 co-conspirators, including Khalid Sheikh Mohamed, in civilian courts.

By expressing full support for Graham's measure, Webb and Lincoln are essentially moving into open revolt against the White House's detainee policy. Lincoln, who faces a tough reelection fight in Arkansas this year, said she would be foolish if she didn't listen to her constituents and oppose the 9/11 trials. Webb insisted he was not opposing the trials because they could be held in his home state of Virginia if New York does not prove to be a feasible venue. "I wrote a column on 9/12" calling the conspirators war criminals, he reminded reporters, implying that he has always preferred the detainees to be tried in a military setting.

<snip>

If Graham's gambit succeeds, it would upend the White House's promise to close down Guantanamo Bay. His legislation would require the 9/11 conspirators to be tried in military tribunals at Gitmo. That would make it close to impossible for Obama to close down the prison until after the trials were completed -- a process that could take years.

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http://www.alternet.org/rights/145518/why_are_some_democrats_backing_lindsey_graham%27s_scheme_to_block_9_11_trials

[madrchsod]

1. because they are cowards.

[Deep13]

5. bingo! nt

[Tippy]

2. Yella Dogs unite...kick some blue dog butts n/t

[Political Heretic]

10. Wait... aren't yellow dogs the reason we have blue dogs in the first place?

?

[napi21]

3. I don't know about Lincoln, but Graham & Webb are both

Military. Graham is a JAG Officer, I suspect all the ex or active Military folks would push for a military trial.

[frylock]

7. we already know that graham is a jagoff

[bluethruandthru]

4. I don't think Lincoln can accurately be called a Democrat.

Just because she puts a D after her name doesn't mean she upholds Democratic ideals.
Jim Webb is pandering to Virginians because the trial may be held in VA...which is ridiculous because the 19th hijacker trial was held in Alexandria and everything was fine. No one I know in VA is the least bit concerned.

[RaleighNCDUer]

6. If we are to try them with military tribunals, then we MUST treat them

as POWs in accordance with the Geneva conventions. As POWs they are not only spared harsh interrogations, they are spared ANY interrogation at all. International organizations like the Red Cross and UN inspectors MUST be given full access to them. They CANNOT be denied mail from home, subject only to searches for contraband.

As POWs they would have MORE rights than ordinary criminals.

Problem is, these people want to keep the tribunals while denying them the rights accorded them under the Geneva conventions.

Can't have it both ways.

[spanone]

8. tell me why, please.

we are the enemy

[Political Heretic]

9. It's an election year. And they are cowards.